Thursday, October 20, 2011

I'd like to introduce you to theUmberDove 2012 Calendar: Creatures I Have Known
Inspired by the feathered, the hooved, the furred and the winged who catch my eye and steal my heart on any given day. By the restless ones, the cheerful ones, the small busy bodies who comfort me and entertain my laugh. By the dawn song and the rustle in the ferns. By the tiny gifts, the slightest clues left behind for my seemingly bottomless pockets. By those who bring me joy. Painted in hopes to bring a sliver of their jubilance to you.

A few highlights from the cast of characters...
This calendar represents hours upon hours spent sketching, drafting, drinking tea, laying watercolor grounds, layering paint colors, drinking more tea, adding highlights, painting details, eating milk chocolate sea salt toffee bars (thank you Whole Foods), scanning, editing, proofing, photographing and finally, sending my little flock off to the printers.
WHEW.
Needless to say, pulling off a calendar is a LOT of good hard time put in the studio.

Now that it's officially done, I'm ready to celebrate.
Care to join? Here's how:
1. Pour a gin and tonic (Sapphire with a whole lime squeezed - do not skimp here!)
2. Pack a suitcase for a weekend jaunt up North
3. Take 30 to 40 more photos of your puppies doing really cute things like spooning-sleeping
4. Take the rest of the evening off an paint your toes a ravishing shade of teal

OR

You could just leave a comment below and be entered to win one of these markers of months, the 2012 Calendar!

I'm giving away THREE because three is such a lucky number.
All you need to do is leave one (and only one please)comment - say whatever you like - and you'll be in the running! The contest starts now (bang!) and will end Wednesday, October 26th in the Evening Sometime with the three winners announced the following day after I've had coffee (these are scientifically precise times, no need to worry yourself with the details).

GOOD LUCK!!

It is my additional delight to offer up these brand spanky new paintings in the Shop! I'll be listing all twelve this evening, each one an UmberDove original, watercolored and gouached (maybe a word? maybe not?) on archival paper and AS EVER so much more nuanced in person. Utterly.
My.Delight.

93
comments:

Your watercolor paintings inspire me! I'm not a painter... I'm actually a designer of knitting patterns, and I don't do charted images, but your colors and subject matter give me lovely ideas for stitches, and new colorways for dyed yarns.

Huzzah! That would have been my bestest guess as to what you were up to! Congrats dear - each and every one looks superbly wonderful and beautifully YOU - I LOVE THEM! And if I don't win one I will certainly buy one or several =)

Kelly, these are so beautiful...you are a master of the watercolor! Each creature seems so filled with spirit and individuality :) and the colors...Oh so perfect!!!! I hope I make it to the shop In time to snag one! Aloha!

IAMSPEECHLESSgorgeous gorgeous gorgeousyou are a talent!I already bought 2012 calendar for my studio, BUT I already checked and it looks great in the kitchen, so you know what that means...I get to work with the Dove Creations inspiring me!!!!

Hello! I've been lurking in the dark corners of blogosphere but I simply have to "de-lurk" so that I can win one of these calendars!

Your paintings are so beautiful. I've been wanting one of your paintings since discovering your blog. I wonder if you'll offer the calendar for sale in your shop? Would love to grab one of I don't win this giveaway.

Beautiful as always.... a labour of love. Thanks so much! I love the bright colours and variety of creatures :) Even though I've left a comment, I just might have to do those other things too!ThanksCait

Everything you do is so beautiful, it is beyond words. To own one would be glorious. To own a calendar full of your works would make me jump up and down every time I would lay my eyes on it (and that would be a lot-I might want to carry it with me at all times). Thank you. From the bottom of my soul, for being you, and inspiring me to be me. You are simply lovely! =)

Eeeeeekkkk!This calender would make nice and cosy next to my gorgeous Umber sea stones that were so lovingly painted.I promise, i'd hold on to it well past 2012 had come and gone, just to marvel at your art!

Wow, this calender would make the year 2012 a real spectacular one, I'm sure! (But I wont grieve if I don't win cause I JUST BOUGHT ONE OF THE ORIGINALS!! SO EXITED!!) Thank you for creating such goodness!

Bow howdy, its gorgeous! Those fingers of yours are magic. Now, while I can't go the gin and tonic... I can do tea and oats with yoghurt, home poached pears and almonds! Love from us three to you. Happy calendaring Dove xx

I always feel there is no point in trying to enter a competition, I am so unlucky. But to own something that you created, that would be a dream, you are so inspiring and paint like I do in my dreams.So here I go - reach for the stars - I'm in for the comp xxx

Wow! What a delightful calendar you have created! my first thought was.. "how can I get my hand on one if these, and support a wonderful woman in the process!" your lovely and I am really loving getting to know you through your blog posts! Thanks for pouring your heart out and making each day special, like I am sure your calendar would do <3 -Britt

I cannot think of a better way to go through 2012 but gazing calmly at your delightful watercolor calendar...I visit here frequently and am not a big comment gal, but these just tickled my fancy! With fingers crossed!

Kelly I love your creativity! I got SOOOO excited about these I ended up purchasing TWO originals. Cannot wait to see them. :D I ordered one and then could not help myself and ordered another... You are very talented. You are beautiful on the inside and out.

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I'm glad you're here! Please note that ALL photographs, images, words and writings are the sole intellectual property of Kelly Clark (unless of course, otherwise notated) and not to be copied or used without written permission. Feel free to write me, I'm friendly! Thanks so much for understanding and respecting an artist's rights!